TMS is a non-invasive neurostimulation technique that uses magnetic fields, similar to those produced by an MRI machine, to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. The treatment is done outside the hospital, and you don’t need to be put to sleep during the process. The strength and speed of the magnetic pulses can be adjusted, affecting how active different parts of the brain are. It is primarily used as a treatment for various mental health conditions.

TMS works by generating magnetic fields that induce electrical currents in specific areas of the brain. This stimulation can modulate neural activity and is proven to have therapeutic effects, particularly for conditions like depression and anxiety.

TMS is FDA-approved for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). It is also being researched for its potential efficacy in treating other mental health conditions like PTSD, anxiety disorders, chronic pain, and more.

Yes, TMS is generally considered safe when administered by trained professionals. It is a non-invasive procedure with minimal side effects. However, individuals with certain medical conditions or implanted devices should consult with their healthcare provider before undergoing TMS.

Depending on the specific treatment protocol and the condition being treated, it can last from 3 minutes to 40 minutes. Treatment sessions are usually conducted daily for several weeks or in an accelerated program for one week.

During a TMS session, you will be seated in a comfortable chair, and a coil will be placed against your scalp. You may feel a tapping or clicking sensation during the procedure, but it is generally well-tolerated. Patients can resume their daily activities immediately after a session.

Individual responses to TMS vary, but many patients report improvement in their symptoms after a 5-10 sessions or a couple weeks of treatment. We will measure your progress throughout the treatment course.

Common side effects are generally mild and include headache and scalp discomfort at the treatment site, tingling or twitching of the facial muscles or arm. These side effects usually diminish over the course of the treatment. Seizures and dizziness are very uncommon side effects. If necessary, headaches from TMS can be treated with over-the-counter pain medications. If the side effects persist, the strength of the TMS pulses can be temporarily reduced to ensure the comfort of the patient.

No, TMS Therapy and ECT are quite different. While both are effective for treating depression, they vary in safety and how well they are tolerated. During TMS Therapy, you stay awake in a chair without any sedation. You can drive yourself to and from the treatment.

On the other hand, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), also known as “shock therapy,” deliberately causes a seizure. ECT patients need to be sedated with general anesthesia and paralyzed with muscle relaxants. Due to ECT’s side effects, it often requires significant caregiver support and recovery happens slowly.

TMS may be a suitable option for individuals who have not responded well to traditional treatments for depression or other mental health conditions. Take one of our quizzes to know more about your mental health. A thorough evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional will help determine if TMS is a suitable and safe option for you.

No, TMS may cause scalp discomfort in some individuals. Some patients reported headaches, that can be easily treated with over-the-counter medications.

Our professionals will administer a safety questionnaire to determine if you have any conditions that might prevent you from safely being treated with TMS.

The presence of a medically implanted magnetic-sensitive device or other implanted metal items that are located near the coil.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) works by using a coil to create a magnetic field that passes through the skull to generate an electric field in the brain. This electric field influences neural pathways, exciting or inhibiting regions of neurons based on the TMS protocol and frequency. In the treatment of Depression, the coil targets neurons in the left Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex with an excitatory protocol.

Repetitive TMS (rTMS) sessions over several weeks induce structural changes in the stimulated brain area. While not everyone responds to TMS therapy, a majority of individuals, around 70% to 80%, experience positive results, with at least half achieving full remission. TMS has shown comparable effectiveness to antidepressant medications but without the associated side effects.

The benefits of TMS therapy can be long-lasting, with some patients reporting continued benefits even years after their initial treatment. For those who respond well, occasional maintenance sessions may be recommended several months after the initial treatment.

Our expert TMS consultants in San Antonio and Houston will evaluate you. You may have been given the diagnosis of one of these conditions and were unable to tolerate the side effects from medications or failed to respond to them. Take one of our quizzes and get an idea of your mental health. Depression, OCD, anxiety and PTSD are just a few of the many indications for TMS.

We will provide an integrative evaluation and management of your condition. The friendly staff and offices will help you relax during your sessions. Also, we provide accelerated protocols, reducing your total treatment time and time off from work and other responsibilities. It might also be ideal if you live far away and would like to maximize your travel time. Our experienced providers and technicians will ease any doubts before and after the session.

A typical course of TMS Therapy is 5 times per week for 19 to 37 minutes sessions over 4-6 weeks.

A typical course of TMS Therapy is 5 times per week for 19 to 37 minutes sessions over 4-6 weeks.